Symphonic Waves youth orchestra prepares exciting holiday shows

Galway’s homegrown youth orchestra Symphonic Waves will take to the stage for a pre-Christmas showing after months of practice.

Under the guidance of Conductor Prof. James Cavanagh the orchestra has been in monthly rehearsals since July for a new programme of music.

On top of their own rehearsals they’ve been in intensive residentials and received mentorships from Galway Music Residency’s ConTempo Quartet, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

They’re going to be showing off the results of their hard work later this month in two concerts on December 15-16 out in the county.

The first concert will be at 4pm at the Connemara Coast Hotel in Furbo on December 15, and the next will be at 6pm at the Meadow Court Hotel, Loughrea on December 16.

The group will perform repertoire that they have been working on over the last 6 months as well as some seasonal chamber music.

Symphonic Waves is a West of Ireland Youth Orchestra which was set up in 2017 as part of Galway 2020 in collaboration with Music Generation Galway County.

Head of Programme at Galway 2020 Marilyn Gaughan-Reddan said the Symphonic Waves orchestra is “A real example of what opportunity and collaboration can achieve.”

“What the Symphonic Waves Orchestra has already achieved is remarkable, and we look forward to hearing more exciting things from them as we build towards 2020.”

Right on the heels of their seasonal holidays the group will be holding auditions for any bright young musicians that want to joins their ranks.

An open call has been put out for young, enthusiastic wind, brass, or percussion players from Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Clare or Limerick.

Auditions for new members will take place at the Meadow Court Hotel in Loughrea on December 16.

Ruth Gordon, Music Development Officer with Music Generation Galway County said of these young people:

“What this group of young, vibrant musicians has achieved is incredible, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve over the next 12 months.”

She added that they are “thrilled” to be expanding for next year, “bringing Symphonic Waves one step closer to being a full symphony orchestra.”

Tickets for either of the concerts taking place this month are €10, under 18s go free.

They can be bought at the doors on the night or reserved by emailing symphonicwaves@gretb.ie or phoning 091 874 557.

Those contact details can also be used for anyone who wants more information about auditions for the orchestra.